The Dakotas Conference is pleased to announce Deb Kjerstad has been hired as the Capital Campaign Director. Peggy Tisdel has joined the Dakotas Conference as the project manager for the Capital Campaign. The Capital Campaign, "Thrive: Strength for Today, Hope for Tomorrow," will be introduced at clergy and clergy spouse gatherings in the next few weeks. "Thrive" will be officially launched at the 2015 Session of the Dakotas Annual Conference in June. 

Deb Kjerstad is a graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University. She has 32 years of experience in retail and personnel management.  Kjerstad will leave her current position, which she has held for 15 years, as District Manager for Bath and Body Works, to join the Dakotas Conference leadership team as the Capital Campaign Director.

"My greatest pride has been in seeing my employees grow, learn and lead so that they reach their own goals- promoting talent and coaching leaders is rewarding. I have also a strong desire for continual learning and personal growth and have searched out my own mentors and opportunities to improve my leadership skills," said Kjerstad.

Deb is a 32-year member of Canyon Lake United Methodist Church (UMC). Kjerstad has been involved with senior high youth, children’s music ministry, singing with the choir and praise team, teaching and assisting with vacation bible school.  Each summer she has taught and led a church camp at Storm Mountain Center with Pastor Deann Eidem, Canyon Lake UMC, for kindergarten through third grade students.

Deb has been married to Darrel Kjerstad for 32 years. They are lifelong residents of South Dakota. "Darrel and I have both lived in South Dakota our entire lives. Both of us grew up in rural/farm families, myself outside Sturgis and Darrel outside Wall. Both of us were members of the UMCs in our towns," she stated. Deb and Darrel Kjerstad have two adopted children. Lauren is 13 and Nolan is age 10.

Peggy Tisdel of Mitchell has joined the staff at the Dakotas Conference to serve as the project manager for the "Thrive" Capital Campaign.  Peggy recently moved to Mitchell after spending several years in Huron, South Dakota where she was an active member of Huron First United Methodist Church.  While at Huron First she was involved with: Journey to Cross, dinner theater, assisted with hospitality and conducted a feasibility study for parish nursing.

Tisdel received degrees from St. John's School of Nursing in Huron, a bachelor's degree in nursing from Huron University, a master degree in Nursing Education at Walden University.  Tisdel has spent several years as a professional nurse. She has worked in the hospital, clinic and community education sectors of nursing. She most recently worked for the Department of Health for the state of South Dakota.

Peggy grew up on a farm near Turton, South Dakota.  She is married to John Tisdel. They will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year. Peggy and John are in the process of building a home in rural Mitchell.  The have two sons and six grandchildren.

"I look forward to the opportunity to serve the United Methodist Church in a new way and serving the people of the Dakotas Conference," said Tisdel.